32nd Annual Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Join us on April 7, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Stockdale Country Club for the Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The Sharyn Woods Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament is a premier annual event hosted by Links for Life, dedicated to empowering women in Kern County who are battling breast cancer. In honor of Sharyn Woods, a cherished community member lost to the disease, this prestigious tournament brings together top-tier professional golfers and enthusiastic for an unforgettable day of competition. Proceeds directly benefit women undergoing breast cancer treatment, ensuring they receive the vital support they need. With its compelling format and unwavering commitment to a life-changing cause, the event continues to inspire, unite, and make a lasting impact on the fight against breast cancer.

Register for Links For Life’s event 

The Women’s and Girls’ Fund 20th Anniversary Luncheon Celebration

The annual luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26th, at Seven Oaks Country Club.

Honoring our 2025 Grant Recipients and the Judi McCarthy Women’s Philanthropy Awardees: Neetu Jhaj & Alana S. Jackson

Individual Tickets – $95
Table of 8 Reserved Seating – $800
Sponsorship Opportunities Available

To register for your tables or individual tickets with a credit card, please select from the list below and use the online registration system: https://kern.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?event_date_id=1927

If paying by check, please make it payable to Kern Community Foundation and mail it to 5701 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 110, Bakersfield, CA 93309.

Please register before March 12, 2025; however, we expect the event to be a sellout this year, so earlier registration is recommended.

For any questions, please contact Kern Community Foundation at 661-325-5346 or email wgf@kernfoundation.org.

Thank you for supporting the Women’s and Girls’ Fund.

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, go to: https://kern.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?event_date_id=1927

Give Big Kern 2025

Give Big Kern 2025 will take place on May 6, 2025!

Give Big Kern has raised over millions of dollars from thousands of donors for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations.. Every year since 2016, Kern Community Foundation has hosted GBK to help local nonprofit organizations raise money and volunteer hours. GBK is a month-long event of community engagement in giving and volunteering that leads up to the first Tuesday in May. GBK is part of Kern Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Strengthening strategic initiative. The initiative increases visibility, builds capacity, and improves sustainability for local nonprofits. The effort shines a light on hard-working local nonprofits, empowering them to advance their marketing and development capabilities, and donor, board and volunteer engagement while encouraging networking and collaboration among nonprofit organizations across the sector. GBK would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Nonprofits participate in GBK at no cost. Marketing materials, event fees, online platform, and training are provided through our generous sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor, please contact info@kernfoundation.org.

3rd Annual Give Big at the Park 2025

Give Big at the Park 2025 will take place on May 3, 2025!

Save the date for the 3rd Annual Give Big at the Park: Nonprofit Meet and Greet.
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Location: The Park at Riverwalk
Time: 8 AM – 1 PM

Join us for the 3rd Annual Give Big at the Park: Nonprofit Meet and Greet. The nonprofit meet-and-greet will showcase the vibrant nonprofits in Kern County. Last year, over 60 local nonprofit organizations shared their missions, services, and stories with the attendees and nonprofit partners. The event’s purpose was to educate the community by showcasing the different causes the local nonprofit organizations support. The event provided a valuable platform for networking and collaboration among the participating nonprofits. Give Big Kern has raised millions of dollars from thousands of donors for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations. Every year since 2016, Kern Community Foundation has hosted GBK to help local nonprofit organizations raise money and volunteer hours. GBK is a month-long community engagement event that involves giving and volunteering and will run until the first Tuesday in May. GBK is part of Kern Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Strengthening strategic initiative. The initiative increases visibility, builds capacity, and improves sustainability for local nonprofits. The effort shines a light on hard-working local nonprofits, empowering them to advance their marketing and development capabilities, and donor, board and volunteer engagement while encouraging networking and collaboration among nonprofit organizations across the sector. GBK would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Nonprofits participate in GBK at no cost.

Join us for the 2024 Give Big Kern Press Conference!

WHAT: Give Big Kern Kick-off Press Conference

WHEN: April 22, 2025; 10 AM – 11 AM

WHERE: Belvedere Room, The Padre Hotel, 1702 18^th Street, Bakersfield, CA

WHO: Learn about Kern Community Foundation and local nonprofit organizations as we get ready for Give Big Kern.

WHY: Join Kern Community Foundation and local nonprofits as we kickstart Kern County’s Official Day of Giving, Give Big Kern, scheduled for May 6, 2025. Donors can make donations on Giving Day or begin donating to their favorite local nonprofits as early as April 6, 2025!

The community can get involved and support a cause by:

1. Giving through: www.givebigkern.org
2. Pledging volunteer hours through: www.givebigkern.org/info/volunteer
3. Liking and sharing Give Big Kern social media content

Website: givebigkern.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GIVEBIGKERN

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givebigkern/
Twitter: twitter.com/GIVEBIGKERN, #GIVEBIGKERN

For more information, visit www.givebigkern.org or contact Kern Community Foundation at (661)325-5346.

Charmed & Chosen 2nd Annual Sneaker Ball Fundraiser

Charmed & Chosen Inc. invites you to our 2nd Annual Sneaker Ball Fundraiser! This is your chance to step out in style, rocking your best formal outfit paired with your favorite sneakers. It’s going to be a night full of fun, music, and great vibes, all while supporting an amazing cause. Whether you’re still in high school or just graduated, this event is perfect for you to hang out with friends, make memories, and give back. So, lace up your sneakers and come kick it with us! You won’t want to miss it.

Messiah-Sing Along with Bakersfield Master Chorale and Orchestra

Come and join the Bakersfield Master Chorale along with members of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra for a rare opportunity to not only hear, but participate in singing Handel’s Messiah! The audience will have the opportunity to sing along with all of the choruses as the Master Chorale sings them with the orchestra on stage. The soloists include amazing local talent including: Ina Gutierrez, Joshua Forquera, Michael Ellsworth, Amie Hiatt, Katie Knudson, Elena Hart, and Katherine Diaz (Kiouses). The event will take place at 6:30 pm on December 17th at Harvey Auditorium on the Bakersfield High School campus. This is a free event and donations are also welcome. If you already have a Messiah score please bring it along. Music will also be available at the event for a very small price. A community sing-along Messiah has not happened in Bakersfield for many years so make sure to clear your calendars and join us!

Wild Kidz: Family Event at Wind Wolves Preserve!

Join us for a FREE family-friendly event packed with fun and discovery! Explore engaging educational booths and exciting staff-led activities, all designed to connect you with the natural wonders of the preserve. Get up close with local wildlife, including some of our scaly friends, and learn about native plants and animals. Booths will feature a variety of topics, including outdoor survival, plant restoration, conservation, hiking tips, animal defenses, skull identification, and more! There’s something for everyone to enjoy—don’t miss out!

2nd Annual Highland Music Gala

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dining, and giving back at the Annual Highland Music Gala !

Highland musicians have a special event invitation to march at Pearl Harbor on
December 7, 2025! We want to see Highland High School and Bakersfield,
California represented at this momentous occasion!

Purchase tickets online at: BMTSTARS.COM
Dinner is included in the price of a ticket ($85 + $5.41 processing fees) with an entree
choice of tri-tip, chicken, or pasta. There will be live entertainment, games, and amazing
silent auction opportunities. The lounge bar will be open for beer, wine, and cocktails.

Background: Highland High School opened in 1970 in northeast Bakersfield, surrounded by open fields and land used for grazing sheep. As the school is now in its 5th decade, Highland has realized tremendous growth in many areas of the performing arts. One unique element of the music program that sets them apart from others is their core group of students who play the bagpipes, a tradition that has carried on for decades. Known as the Highland Scots, students are recognized by their wearing of the kilts and
their eye-catching green, blue, and white. Their marching band is known as the Black Watch Brigade, a royal regiment of Scotland. Their field show this year is entitled “To Those About to Rock,” transforming classic tunes into a fun and energetic display. HHS also has a full orchestra, and a jazz band that plays at special events. For more information about this event or upcoming events, please contact: Sandra Caudel, Booster President 661-333-6088 Candace Garcia, Booster Vice President, 661-427-7321 Theresa Louie, Booster Secretary, 661-565-5077 Sarah Haggard, Gala Chairperson, 661-246-7227

Donation Letter

To whom it may concern,
On behalf of the Highland Music Boosters, I am reaching out to request your generous support for
our upcoming Highland Music Gala, an event dedicated to raising funds for an enriching and
educational experience for our talented young musicians. This event brings together music
enthusiasts, local businesses, and individuals who share a passion for nurturing the artistic growth of
our students.
Our fundraising goal for this year’s Highland Music Gala is $25,000. This amount is crucial to cover the
competition and festival fees, food for the kids during events, uniforms, garment bags, props, drill,
supplemental education tools and other costs that arise throughout the school year. Fundraising will
also help toward covering the cost of the December 7, 2025, trip to Pearl Harbor so that our students
may participate in the 84th commemorative ceremony. We are committed to ensuring that these young
individuals receive a comprehensive educational experience that is both enjoyable and enlightening.
We kindly ask for your support in the form of cash donations, silent auction items, giveaway items, or
corporate sponsorship for the Highland Music Gala. Your contribution will not only assist us in achieving
our fundraising goal but will also play a significant role in creating a lasting impact on the lives of these
dedicated students. Your generosity will be acknowledged during the event and in our promotional
materials. For your records, our organization is a 501c3 and our tax ID number is 77-0498308.
Attached, please find more information about the Highland Music Boosters, our mission, and the
details of the Highland Music Gala. If you require any additional information or have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact us at scotshhsmusic@gamil.com or 661-246-7227.
Thank you for considering our request and for your dedication to supporting the arts and education.
We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to make this year’s Highland Music Gala a
resounding success.
Sincerely,
Sarah Haggard, Gala Committee Chair
Highland High School Instrumental Music Booster Club
scotshhsmusic@gmail.com
661-246-7227
Enclosures: Information